Firmness of mind

Resilience and fortitude are, doubtless and without any qualification, supreme virtues. Firmness of mind and persistence, which too go to generate these virtues, however,need not, by themselves, yield positive results in all situations. This concept is elaborated by Bhagawad Gita(XVIII – 33 to 35), which categorises firmness (dhriti) as born of either of satva, rajasor tamas.

That firmness of mind through which one regulates his mind and senses through yoga is categorised as satva, while that firmness by which one holds on firmly to duty, desire and wealth (dharma, kama and artha), but with desire to fruits and pleasure is rajas.

That firmness by which one holds on steadfastly to sleep, fear, sorrow, despair and vanity is tamas. In short, only that firmness (dhriti) is worthwhile, which is inspired by intelligence, dynamism and sublime thoughts and through which one obtains for himself and others involved endearing and enduring benefits. Another important issue is that true firmness should be inspired by practical considerations, too, with right results to show sooner or later.

Any other approach would finally amount to mere stubbornness or foolishness. It is also necessary, while not being discouraged by others’ doubting, also to make allowance “for such doubting” — in the manner conceived of by Rudyard Kipling. Firmness, resolve and persistence, when tempered by open-mindedness and receptivity, would enable the true seeker to divine if, how and when change management would commence to apply to his particular case!